On 3-2-2026, the Ministry of Mines notified the Offshore Areas Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining and Transportation) Rules, 2026 to curb illegal offshore mining and mineral transportation. The provisions came into force on 3-2-2026.
Key Provisions:
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These Rules come under the ambit of Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002.
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Powers and functions of Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research:
Whenever these rules mention the Indian Bureau of Mines or its officers, the same powers and responsibilities will apply also to the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research and its officers for atomic minerals that meet or exceed the threshold grade.
This means:
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Any reference to the Indian Bureau of Mines should be understood as a reference to Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research.
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Any reference to Indian Bureau of Mines officers, such as the Controller General, Chief Controller of Mines, Controller of Mines, Regional Controller, or any authorized officer—should be understood as referring to the Director or authorized officer of Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research.
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Prohibition: No person will be allowed to produce, dig, store, sell, transport, process, or otherwise deal with any mineral unless they do it according to the Act and the rules made under it.
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Monitoring system:
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Anyone who holds an operating right or owns a carrier will have to deploy an electronic monitoring system.
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Owners of carriers, mine developers and operators (whatever they are called), owners of mechanized machinery, and any other person specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines will have to register themselves, their carriers, and their machinery online on the offshore mining regulation web portal.
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No mechanized machinery or carrier can be used unless its owner is properly registered with the Indian Bureau of Mines.
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Every holder of an operating right or trader who is desirous of exporting mineral extracted from offshore areas, directly from such offshore area, will have to procure a clearance from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, if applicable, at least 7 days prior to exporting such minerals.
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Dispatch of mineral outside the license area or lease area will have to provide the following information on the offshore mining regulation web portal:
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quantity and grade of mineral dispatched;
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name, address and registration number of the consignee;
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particulars of the carrier carrying the mineral;
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the first point of discharge, expected route for transportation and the particulars of the route to the first point of discharge and to the destination;
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if the holder of the operating right has availed services of any other person for transportation, then particulars of the owner of the carrier along with the details of the carrier including the registration number;
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particulars of royalty and other payments made with respect to such mineral;
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in case of export of the mineral to an overseas consignee, a copy of the documents submitted with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs with respect to such export along with a copy of the clearance obtained by the holder of an operating right;
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such other particulars as may be specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines.
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An authorized officer has the power to inspect, check, verify, and take samples of mineral stocks of any operating right holder or trader, at any place, including while the minerals are being transported. They may also inspect accounts and any related documents.
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Every authorised officer, exercising powers of Seizure and detention of property will have to:
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photograph the carrier, mine or any other property and place on such carrier, mine or any other property a mark in such manner as may be determined, indicating that the same has been so seized and detained;
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Issues a notice in the format specified in Form-C informing the person from whom the carrier, mine or any other property is seized and detained.
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Appeals:
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Anyone who is unhappy with an action taken by an authorised officer under these rules can file an appeal to the Central Government within 3 months from the date of that action.
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The appeal must follow Chapter X of the Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024, or Chapter IX of the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules, 2025, depending on which rule applies to the situation.
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Penalties: If someone violates these rules, they can be punished with:
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Imprisonment up to 5 years;
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A fine of Rs. 50 lakhs to Rs. 1 crore;
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Both imprisonment and fine.
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Actions for illegal mining, transport, or storage: If a person illegally mines, transports, or stores minerals and uses any tools, equipment, carriers, or other items to do so, an authorized officer can:
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Recommend to the Central Government that the person’s licence, lease, or registration be cancelled.
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Seize any tools, equipment, carriers, or other items used for illegal activity.
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Note: These actions will be in addition to the penalties mentioned above.